A “swimming ban” has been temporarily applied to four beaches in County Wexford after recent water samples showed high levels of E. coli.
Prohibitive warning signs have been erected in Culletons gap in Curracloe, Morriscastle, Cullenstown and Oldbawn.
The samples, which were taken on Thursday, the 3rd of July, showed that E. coli levels were above what is considered to be acceptable.
As a result, the HSE is now warning beach-goers not to swim in these areas, as ingesting the bacteria can lead to sickness.
Authorities are investigating the issue and further updates will be released over the next couple of days.
UPDATE: As of today (10th of July), the beaches in question have had their blue flag status restored.
